January 2012

THE COALITION MONTHLY

A Monthly Newsletter for Jamaican Alumni Associations in Florida www.cjaaf.info \

New Year’s Message from the Co-Chairs CJAAF PLANNING Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations of Florida

BOARD The success of schools and universities Sandra Schrouder, PhD depends in part on how well-informed past Rupert Rhodd, PhD students are about their achievements and Co-Chairs challenges. This often translates into UWI & Wolmer’s philanthropic giving that supports particular Jasmine Barnes programs, students or events. For many St. Catherine High individuals, philanthropy is only associated

Joan Segre-Leroy with financial contribution. However, a ALPHA broader meaning of philanthropy includes having a compassion for a cause and using ones resources (time, effort, and talent) to Natalie Chung-Cauldero Queen’s support that cause. In Florida, Jamaican Alumni Associations have constantly demonstrated this broader meaning of philanthropy and for us, working with them, Allan Cunningham, DBA helping to advertise their events through the Coalition Monthly, and attending their Camperdown events have been a sheer delight. Lance Gibbs Cornwall College In the year 2011, the 53 registered Jamaican Alumni Associations in Florida

Audley Hewitt organized close to 100 events (including banquets, dances, picnics/family fun days, Kingston College raffles, tea parties, and sporting events), and their accomplishment in the area of fundraising resulted in the contribution of close to US$300,000 to their alma mater Laddie Kong St. George’s College and to the local community. Such an effort is simply amazing in light of the fact that none of the executive members are paid to perform this well; they are all volunteers! Bethany Powell The Alumni Associations are very aware that this source of income is very important Clarendon College to schools in and that many of these schools actually include it in their annual Peter Scott budget. We commend the alumni associations for their consistent effort and implore Ferncourt those that are not involved with these groups to become involved. There is more to

Audrey Smith do as our efforts are far from complete. High For those who are not members of a Jamaican Alumni Association, you can still Carol White St. Hugh’s become involved in the community by first determining your specific philanthropic/charitable interest (children, health, religious, public safety, small Advisors: Cheryl Wynter businesses, or community development) and then committing a small portion of your Dahlia Walker, JD time and/or resources to your charitable interest. This could be as simple as collecting goods for those in need, or participating in activities of national or regional

Contact Information philanthropic organizations, such as the United Way, Red Cross, or “Community Foundation”. P.O. Box 970313 Coconut Ck, FL 33097 The members of Jamaican alumni associations in Florida have proven that hard work, (954) 510-6265 persistence, and tenacity are the real keys to success. We believe that the members (954) 242-2529 continue to work for their alma mater because most of them still remember what [email protected] their school’s motto taught them. For example, our friends from St. Catherine High [email protected] School seem to be assured of success even before they start to plan their activities

because their motto says it all: Preces et Opera Omnia Vincunt, which in English

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means “Prayer and Work Conquer All”. For our fellow Wolmerians, Age quod agis, “Whatever you do, do it with all your might” is still our rallying call, and for the Georgians, Ad majorem dei gloriam, “For the Greater Glory of God” is always in their hearts. Two words make up Ferncourt’s motto, Labor Vincit which means "work conquers". Ferncourt has achieved much in a relatively short time because work does matter. For our no nonsense Cornwallians, Disce aut Discede means “Learn or Leave”. As the third oldest high school in Western Jamaica, we are truly happy that most of you chose to stay in school and learn. Dinthill Technical motto facta non verba, “deeds not words” and the motto of our sisters from Immaculate Conception, ad astra per aspera, "Through Difficulties to Excellence” are truly words to live by. By their alumni deeds, Dinthill Technical High School is a far better place today than yesterday, and for Immaculate Conception, their success has come through hard work and some difficult times.

Special thanks to our sponsors and well wishers, many of whom are featured in this month’s newsletter. Your continued support of alumni associations’ events and projects is truly appreciated.

For 2012, we are moving “upward and onward” (Alpha’s motto), and as Queen’s High School motto puts it, Virtute et Sapientia Floreat, may all our school in Jamaica flourish in virtue and wisdom. For the coming years, we pray happiness be at your door. May it knock early, stay late, and leave the gift of GOD’s peace, love, joy and good health.

Sandra Schrouder, PhD Rupert Rhodd, PhD

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County Square Shopping Center 21461 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite# 21461 Miami Gardens, Florida 33169

WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL/WILMAR COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION About Us

Windsor High School was founded in the 1940s by Mrs. Enid Ranger-Jones of Portland, Jamaica. The school was first located in Windsor Castle, Portland, relocated to Lissant Road (near Kingston College), and finally to 43 South Camp Road, Kingston (opposite the Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy).

Mrs. Ranger-Jones, affectionately called ‘Ma’Best’, operated the school with her husband Daryl Adolph Jones. She was one of the first Jamaican women to have graduated from Howard University and a picture of her dressed in full regalia of the times (hair perfectly coiffure, floor-length dress, and umbrella in tow) is published in famed alumni and student, Father Easton Lee’s book titled “From Behind the Counter”.

Enid Ranger was a teacher at Windsor Castle High in Portland but she had a disagreement with the school’s leaders over a lack of artistic programs in the curriculum so she left and started her own school in Windsor Castle before moving it to Kingston. This is the origination of the name Windsor. Mrs. Ranger-Jones retired, migrated to the USA, and was cared for by her niece Pearl Riley. She passed on in 1984-5 and her funeral service was held at St. Andrew Parish Church in Jamaica. She was interred there with the service officiated by the Reverend Spence with Bishop DeSouza in attendance.

The administration of the school was assumed by principal Mrs. Beryl Williams after Mrs. Ranger-Jones retired. Unfortunately, the school was destroyed by fire in the early 1970s and was renamed Wilmar College (in honor of Mrs. Williams) and relocated. The school ceased to exist on Mrs. Williams’ passing. Past students of Windsor High School, in addition to Father Lee, include Olive Walcott (Mrs. Samuel Fitz-Henley), Lorna Charles (Mrs. ), Norah Freckleton, Beverley Rose, George Lee (former Mayor of Portmore, St. Catherine), the late Judith Thompson (formerly of Lime Tree Lane television series), and Dr. Indiana Harrison-Robinson of Nova Southeastern University.

Kudos to Dr. Harrison-Robinson on the publication of her book, Entering (into the World of Escapism) and Exiting (back to Reality), a collection of fifty short, intriguing stories and poems of Life’s travails,

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Steps for Donating Educational Materials to Jamaica

Preparing to Ship Donated Goods

1. Prior to shipping any items you should determine the suitability of the items to be donated and whether or not they attract customs duties. For example, information on computers being donated must be submitted prior to shipping to ensure that they are suitable for the intended purpose. 2. The school or receiving agency should be given adequate notice so that the necessary approvals and waivers can be granted. This will prevent extended delays at the port of entry and possible storage charges. A letter of offer should be sent to the institutions prior to shipping the donated items. 3. The donated items must be consigned to the relevant school(s) or agency and not to an individual. 4. Educational and non-educational goods (e.g. medical supplies) must not be packed together as the approval process and requirement for customs clearance differ.

For Clearance

1. For goods being shipped by sea or air the following documentation must be sent ahead of the arrival of the goods to the beneficiary institution. a. The Bill of Lading ( by sea) or the Airway Bill ( by air) b. Invoice (if goods are new) c. List of goods and approximate value (if the goods were pre-owned). 2. If goods are accompanying the passengers, the approval and other necessary letters must be shown to the customs officer at the port of entry. This may be done either by the letters being sent to the arriving passengers before they leave their country of residence or by presentation to the customs 3. officer by a representative of the receiving institution when the passengers are clearing customs.

To get a waiver of taxes and duties on donated goods, the local recipient (school or agency) should apply to the Ministry of Finance, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, by presenting the invoice or a list of items to be donated at the time the waiver is sought. Usually, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture advises the Ministry of Finance by a supporting letter, that the institution is duly registered. The approval process takes a maximum of ten (10) working days.

For further information you may contact the Chief Procurement Officer at the Ministry of Education, Leon Fraser ([email protected]; 876-502-6008) or the Director of Technical Services, Jacienth Gordon-Brown ([email protected]; 876-9226568 or 876-922-2798)

3650 Weston Road, Davie, FL 33331 (954) 888-6800

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Jamaican Alumni Associations’ 2011 Walkathon, a Huge Success!!!

With more than 150 participants representing 30 alumni associations, the second annual All Jamaican Alumni Associations’ Walkathon, under the auspices of The Counsel General of Jamaica to the Southeast USA, the Honorable Sandra Grant Griffiths, and the Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations of Florida, was a huge success. Even before Central Broward Regional Park’s scheduled opening time at 8:00AM on December 10, 2011, there was a long line of cars waiting at the entrance. By 8:30 AM, most of the 150 shirts created for the events were given out and by 9:00 AM the participants were well on their way.

For the second year in a row, Jamaica’s Consul General to the Southeast USA, the Honorable Sandra Grant Griffiths served as “Grand Marshal” and led the participants group as they started the 4.5 mile course. With the assistance of Dreamy Riley, the walkathon was streamed live at www.irietimes.com so that those who were unable to attend could follow the event, and for the entire event, DJ Mark Swaby’s selections produced a very festive atmosphere. Some associations came well prepared with their teams and banners, but even with the majority of associations not having banners there was still the friendly rivalry that has been a feature of high school competitions in Jamaica.

Another new feature this year was the “after-walkathon” brunch. Thanks to Pat Lee and the Florida Chapter of ALPHA Alumnae Association for providing codfish fritters. They certainly served as great appetizers before the main course. The Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations sponsored the food that was catered by Sherman Calnek of Three Finger Jack. Thanks to Grace Kennedy for providing refreshing Grace Coconut water and Tropical Rhythm drinks.

Camperdown Past Students’ Association claimed the trophy for the most walkers in attendance with Immaculate Alumnae, Alpha Alumnae, St. Hugh’s Alumnae and Queen’s Alumni Association following close behind. Many individuals and groups played a major role in the 2011 walkathon and the Coalition is truly indebted to them. Our deepest gratitude to the Consul General, the Honorable Sandra Grant Griffiths for her vision, support, and continuous push have more collaboration between the alumni associations. Special thanks to Suzette Rochester and Victoria Mutual Building Society, Weston Nissan Volvo, Audley Hewitt and KC Old Boys’ Association, Natalie

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Chung-Cauldero and Queen’s Alumni Association, and Jennifer Hoyes and Immaculate Alumni Association for their financial support that helped to meet the cost of providing the walkers with shirts.

Also, thanks to Allan Cunningham and Camperdown Alumni Association, Jasmine Barnes and St. Catherine Alumni Association, Beverly Kirton Smith and Montego Bay Alumni Association, Rev. Dennis Grant and Trench Town Alumni Association, and Paul McPherson and Meadowbrook Alumni whose contribution helped to provide food, music, and photography services. To our hard working planning board members Carrol White (St. Hugh’s), Peter Scott (Ferncourt), and Audrey Smith (Montego Bay High), and to our volunteers Audrey Ebanks and Majorie Street, our profound gratitude for your effort.

We are planning to make the 2012 Walkathon bigger and better. We are hoping that all Jamaican alumni associations will participate and use this as a major fund raising event.

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More 2011 Walkathon Photos

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JAMAICAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS IN FLORIDA

1. Convent of Mercy Academy “ALPHA” Pat Lee (President) (305) 389-8605 [email protected]; [email protected]

2. Ardenne Alumni Organization of Florida Judith Lawson-Keane (President) (954) 483-0833 [email protected]

3. Alumni (Florida Chapter), Inc Michael Schloss (President) (754) 422-3307 [email protected]; www.cbarfla.org

4. Camperdown High School Past Students’ Association, Florida Chapter Allan Cunningham, DBA (President) (954) 914-4533 [email protected]; [email protected]; www.camperdownfl.org

5. Campion College Alumni Association Toni Brice (President) [email protected]; www.campionflorida.com

6. CAST/UTECH Alumni Association – Florida Chapter Dr. Marilyn Morrison-Padilla (President) (954) 578-5858 [email protected]; [email protected]

7. Clarendon College Alumni Association Bethany Powell (President) (786) 262-3404 [email protected]

8. Church Teachers’ College Alumni Association, Inc. Mike Andrews (President) (305) 502-6713 [email protected]; [email protected] http://www.ctc.edu.jm/alumni/default.aspx

9. Cornwall College Alumni Association of South Florida, Inc. Lance Gibbs (President) (954) 600-5915 [email protected]; www.ccalumni-florida.com

10. DeCarteret College Alumni Assoc. of Florida, Inc Godfrey Comrie (President) (305) 305-8108 [email protected];

11. Dinthill Technical High School Alumni Association Clayton Todd (President) (954)-274-8073 [email protected]; [email protected] http://dinthillfloridaalumni.com/

12. Excelsior Alumni Association of Florida Althea Brown-Robinson (President) (954) 914-0811 [email protected]

13. Alumni Association of South Florida Dr. Raymond Ramsay (President) (954) 773 1955 [email protected]

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14. Garvey Maceo Alumni Association Patricia Pettigrew (President) (561) 329-9219

15. Glenmuir Alumni Association of South Florida Fitzroy Benjamin (President) (305) 588-0521 [email protected] http://www.glenmuiralumni.com/ghs-associations/south-florida.html

16. Green Island High Alumni Association of North America Norrine Tavares (President) (917) 969-4308 [email protected]: www.greenislandalumni.com

17. Holmwood Technical High School Alumni Association Veronica Wallace-Mitchener (President) (561) 577-7123 [email protected], www.holmwoodtechnical.com

18. Holy Trinity Alumni Association Joseph Williams (President) (954) 907-5943 [email protected]

19. Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association Jennifer Hoyes (President) (561) 400-3400 [email protected]; www.ICHSalumnae.com

20. Old Boys Association of Florida Ray Stephenson (President) (305) 505-3008 [email protected], www.jcobafl.org

21. Kingston College Old Boys Association [email protected]; (954) 587-5257 www.kcobafl.org

22. Knox South Florida Past Students Jean Clarage-Slosberg (President) [email protected]; [email protected]

23. Manchester High School Alumni Association, Fla. Chapter Janet Plummer-Brown (President) (786) 260-3411 [email protected]

24. Marymount High School Alumnae Association Pat Matthews-Darlington (President) (954) 288-3853 [email protected]

25. Meadowbrook High School Alumni Association Paul McPherson (President) (954) 383-0321 [email protected]; www.mhsalumniassoc.org

26. MICO Alumni Association of South Florida Errol A. Evans (President) (954) 804-7200 [email protected]; www.miconians.com

27. Alumnae South Florida [email protected] (954) 330-4500

28. Montego Bay High International Alumnae, Inc Karen Morris-Clarke (President) (561) 714-3441 [email protected]

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29. Mount Alvernia High School Alumnae Association Andrea Smellie-McIntosh (President) (954) 515-8840 [email protected]; www.mahsafl.com

30. Mount Alvernia Alumni Association of Central Florida Dawn Chin Jones (President) (813) 910.9880 [email protected] www.mahscfl.org

31. Munro-Hampton Alumni Association L. Ashley Coke (President) (954) 423-3961 [email protected]

32. Northern Caribbean University Alumni Association (Central Florida Chapter) Vilma Campbell (President) [email protected]; http://www.ncucentralflorida.com

33. Queen’s High School Alumni Association Natalie Chung-Cauldero (President) (954) 471-4744 [email protected]; www.qhsafl.org Online store: www.cafeshops.com/qhsafl

34. Rusea’s Old Students Association, Florida Chapter Judith Hinds (President) [email protected]

35. Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College Max Beckford (President) (954 478-9475

36. St. Andrew High Old Girls Association Deirdre Benka-Coker (President) (954) 805-6796 [email protected]; www.sahsflorida.org

37. St. Andrew Technical High Alumni Association David Jemison (305) 687-1677

38. St. Catherine High School Alumni Association (SE Chapter) Jasmine Barnes (President) (786) 252-6120 [email protected]; [email protected]

39. St. Elizabeth Technical High School Alumni Association Dawn Bramwell (President) (941) 815-7223 [email protected]

40. St. George's College Old Boys Association of Florida Trevor Palmer (President) (954) 682-4729 [email protected]; www.stgcfl.com

41. St. Hilda’s High School Alumni Association Jenifer Plummer-Barrett (President) (917) 974-4863 [email protected]

42. St. Hugh’s Alumnae Association of South Florida Bridget Smith-Newman (President) (954) 410-3842 [email protected]

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43. St. Jago High School Alumni Association Garnett Walker (President) (954) 608-8129 [email protected]

44. St. Mary High School South Florida Alumni Association Maria Kong (President) (954) 249 7825 [email protected]

45. Tarrant High School Past Students Association Michael Rose (President) (9540 353-1702 [email protected]

46. The Alumni Association of Edith Walsh-March (President) (954) 240-3296 [email protected]; http://www.titchfieldhigh.com

47. Trench Town Comprehensive High School Alumni Association Rev. Dennis Grant (President) (954) 249-5073 [email protected]

48. UWI Alumni Association of Florida Rupert Rhodd (President) (954) 242-2529 [email protected]

49. Vere Technical Alumni Association Carlton Robinson (President) (561) 793-8108 [email protected]

50. Westwood High School Alumni Association Melaine Thompson (President) [email protected]

51. William Knibb Memorial High School Alumni Association Charmaine Shettleworth (President) (561) 396-0447 [email protected]; http://www.williamknibbalumni.com

52. Windsor /Wilmar High School Alumni Association (North America Chapter) Indiana Robinson (President) (954) 665-9532 [email protected]

53. Wolmer’s Alumni Association Charles Patterson (President) (954) 709-9555 [email protected]: http://www.wolmersouthfla.org

“Education Matters”

To advertise your events in the newsletter or to correct information about your association, please contact the editors

Rupert Rhodd ([email protected]) Sandra Schrouder ([email protected])

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